Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Hearty Tomato Soup

Ole Sweetie-Pi and I were out to dinner one night a couple of weeks ago, and the restaurant was offering a cookbook published by one of our local organizations, The Connecticut Valley Home Care/Hospice. Now, I don't know about you, but I find it hard to resist tried and true family recipes and an opportunity to support a local organization that does such fine work. As soon as we arrived home, I immediately sat down down and read it from cover to cover, selecting those recipes that had the most appeal, as well as recipes from the names of those local excellent cooks whose names I recognized.

This recipe was submitted by Bea Carleton, a name I've known a very long time. Bea was a friend and former workmate of my sainted grandmother, and a woman who was very well known for her excellent recipes. I have other recipes from Bea via my grandmother's handwritten cards when they used to swap recipes at work. True to Bea's reputation, this recipe is a keeper. Both Sweetie-Pi and I loved this simple and hearty tomato soup that starts with the well-loved tomato soup in the familiar red and gold cans.

As good as this was the first day, it was even better reheated the second day. It makes a good amount of soup, enough for 6 people, I think, perhaps more if you're serving sandwiches on the side.

51 comments:

Katy, I just love to read your posts! I feel such a kinship with you as I do the same thing with locally produced cookbooks. I have a big bunch of these and can never pass up a chance for another!This soup looks wonderful, however I would definitely need a BIG slice of that gorgeous bread to go with it! I love the header photo...mmmm...warm, buttered....oops, am I drooling on the keyboard?

Don't you just love those local cookbooks!!?? I always have such a great time reading them (and you know the names to steer clear of because you've eaten there not so good cooking). Nothing is better than tomato soup and a grilled cheese sandwich :)

I love, love, love the local cookbooks - they're like having a huge extended family sharing their old family recipes with you! Nothing too over the top fancy - just simply good. Can't resist one when I see it. This is one of my cozy favorite foods - hope today is great for you!Susan

I love so much about all of this. The creamy tomato soup is sensational. It comforts, pleases, is beautiful and filled with taste. The fact that it is a beloved recipe from someone special makes it even more delicious.

Hi Katy. How did you know that tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches are one of my favorites. I can think back to when my esposo and I would at least once a week have tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches for dinner. We still do, but not as often. Your recipes are always so easy. Thanks for sharing. Have a great Thursday.

I could use a cup of this creamy soup right now to chase away the chill of a cold day. This would go with about any kind of sandwich for a very filling meal-thanks Katy!I love local cookbooks...I've got several with such worn pages, but they hold such great recipes, which I use.

You always find the best recipes in those little community cookbooks! Tomato soup has always been a favorite of mine--especially paired with a good sandwich! (Your sandwich looks out of this world!) It's also good to know that it reheats well--I know some things reheat better than others, but it's funny how soup, chili, etc. almost always seem to be better after they sit overnight.

I know what you mean, our church cookbook and my mom's old Eastern Star cookbook are all tattered from the use of the tried and true recipes over the years. Every one submits their best recipes to those!

This soup is wonderful. "Souped up" tomato soup. I spent hours making a roasted tomato soup a couple of months ago, and I can't help but wonder if this would taste just as good.

Katy this sounds to die for. Tomato soup is so comforting and delicious. It's one of my fave kinds of soup and as a child was a go-to fave. Thanks for the recipe. I will have to give it a try sometime :) xx

A recipe is always better when it reminds you of someone you enjoy. This is a really interesting twist since it uses the Campbell's Tomato soup. I like the addition o fthe cream cheese ( which must be what lightens the color) and the addition of more tomatoes.I can see why this recipe is a keeper. Nice.

I am sitting here hungry and I am going to have tomato soup, if I have some. It is too late to make anything but I do have organic soups. If not tomato, another. It is cruel to tempt us like this. Come cook for us.

I love all those community cookbooks. When I was home last I photocopied a few that my mom has from the 50s and 60s. The best recipes! And how touching that you found one by a friend of your grandmas. Lovely. And wonderful soup.

About Me

I am an old-fashioned girl at heart, loving old recipes, while still embracing the new. I look for simplicity, deliciousness, and frugality, with an occasional splurge. Many memories are made around food. Let's make good memories together!